Hospital staff noticed Dr William Yvorchuk's intoxication as he was about to start his third operation of the day.

William Yvorchuk walked into an operating room earlier this
month ready to perform his third surgery of the day – his blood alcohol level
at that time was 0.35; more than 4 times the legal limit for intoxication.

Although hospital staff noticed his bizarre behavior and
seeming intoxication, and stopped him from performing the scheduled procedure,
he had already operated twice that day, only hours before being tested with
such an extremely high blood alcohol content.

Hospital administrators, on learning of his intoxication,
immediately revoked his hospital privileges, and reported the incident to the
North Dakota Medical Board. His license to practice medicine in the state, a license
he has had since 2004, has been temporarily revoked pending a full review of the
incident. A full hearing before the medical board is scheduled for April the 9th,
at which point the suspended doctor risks losing his license to practice
medicine permanently.

The suspended surgeon has closed down his offices and could
not be reached for comment. Dr Ahmed Abdullah, a surgeon who worked in the same
facility, explained that although Dr. Yvorchuk worked in the hospital, he
merely rented space there, and was not on staff. Still, Dr. Abdullah said that "he
was saddened by Yvorchuck's situation and would not comment further out of
respect for his privacy."